Posted on January 5th, 2015

Las Vegas has almost everything – nightlife, casinos, world class entertainment, amazing food, haute couture and more. Despite all of that, Sin City is without a professional sports team. Venue proposals and pitches to various sports leagues and teams have come and gone for nearly 20 years, including baseball and hockey bids, but nothing has come to fruition. That could soon change.

Bids to bring a Major League Soccer (MLS) team to Las Vegas began in 2011. A proposal was made for a multi-use stadium in the downtown area that would share space and construction dollars with UNLV, but MLS wanted a venue that was primarily dedicated to its sport. The idea has since been revived and talks started again earlier this year. MLS officials have visited the area and appear to be interested in discussing further. Additionally, it seems as if there is both the backing and the desire needed to have a pro team in Las Vegas, but there is no confirmed deal as of yet.

In a recent interview with USA Today, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman stated, “[Las Vegas is] the perfect place for people to come and enjoy all the amenities we have, and we’re certainly ready for major league sports. We’ve made so many advances in the medical community and in cultural offerings. Pro sports is the one little piece we haven’t quite gotten the hook around.”

The population of the Las Vegas metro area has grown to nearly two million people, which is more than two metro areas currently home to MLS teams – Columbus, Ohio and Salt Lake City, Utah. Will Las Vegas become home to an MLS team? We’re hopeful, but cannot be sure. However, it is one of the largest cities in the country without a pro sports team.

Posted on December 19th, 2014

7:00 a.m. The alarm clock went off and there was no hitting snooze. We had a lot to get to at the Plaza, but before we could do anything, whether work or play, we needed to eat a solid breakfast.

The best way to start the day is with breakfast at Hash House A Go Go. One of our favorite dishes there is the classic Boston Hash – crispy potatoes, mixed onions and fresh tomatoes crowned with blue crab cake drizzled with horseradish cream and served with eggs and fresh fruit. After a breakfast of that magnitude we were almost ready to begin the day. We just needed to stop by Cafelatte for a Lavazza coffee first.

12:32 p.m. Before we knew it, it was already time for lunch. We were still a little full from breakfast and were busy making the most of the day so we opted for something quick and easy at Pop Up Pizza. We indulged in a slice of cheese, but also had a salad. Mom always said eat your veggies!

5:00 p.m. Five o’clock rolled around. It was a busy and productive day, but now it was time to relax and enjoy the evening. It was a beautiful fall day in Vegas. Today’s sky was a mix of pink, orange and red as the sun set. We headed to the Bier Garten for a craft beer and to enjoy the sights and sounds of Downtown Las Vegas from the outdoor area. In addition to our beers, we ordered a giant pretzel and wurst to share as a snack before dinner.

6:52 p.m. We had a reservation at Oscar’s for 7 p.m. so we headed upstairs to the restaurant. The decor of Oscar’s is glamorous. It incorporates memorabilia from Oscar Goodman’s 12-year tenure as mayor as well as classic photographs of Las Vegas from over the years. It makes you feel like a star.

We started with some calamari and chose the pork chop for the entrée. The calamari was nice and crispy on the outside and the pork chop had been perfectly seared. Not a bad way to wrap up another fun day at the Plaza.

Posted on December 10th, 2014

Downtown Container Park

Everyone knows Vegas is one of the best cities to shop ’til you drop. Whether it’s high end couture, beautiful boutiques or fantastic outlets, there are tons of places and a variety of ways to shop in Sin City. Those who like to find special pieces that no one else will have should explore Downtown Container Park. It’s only a short walk from Plaza and has beautiful boutiques and a quirky design. And foor the bargain mavens there is Las Vegas North Premium Outlets, which offer an unparalleled combination of quality and great deals and are also located close to Plaza.

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or just a task to cross off your to-do list. It can be quality, relaxing alone time or a destination event for the whole family. Container Park has an amazing array of stores (art, apparel, décor, toys), dining options (BBQ, Mexican, extravagant hot dogs, whiskey bar, wine bar) and activities (treehouse and play area for kids and adults, live music). You can bring the fun back to holiday shopping with a visit to this popular Downtown Las Vegas destination. It’s a fresh urban landscape and more than a collection of stores. The area is constructed from shipping containers stacked on one another and was created as a place everyone can enjoy. Spend the day perusing the boutiques, sampling the different food options and having fun in the park.

While you can pay top dollar for anything you want in Las Vegas, you also can find amazing brand name goods at bargain prices if you visit the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets. Tell everyone you picked a little something up for them in Vegas – just don’t tell them you bought designer wear for less than designer costs! With 150 stores, the outlets offer all of the high end designers you’d find at malls and destination shopping venues. Come visit Las Vegas and shop it up – you’ll love what you find!

Posted on November 13th, 2014

One of the biggest draws in Vegas every year is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – and this year is no exception. For 10 days, Las Vegas will be overrun with some of the most passionate rodeo sports fans from around the world as the best in their respective events are crowned champion. Capping off all of the excitement will be country star, Bucky Covington, performing at the Showroom inside of Plaza Hotel Casino.

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas

If you’ve ever visited Las Vegas in the beginning of December, then you’ve surely witnessed the way that the National Finals Rodeo takes over the city. Fans from around the world don blue jeans, cowboy boots and hats to gather in anticipation for the largest rodeo competition of the year. Casinos, nightclubs and restaurants alike will all be dishing out their own brand of “southern hospitality” to welcome these loyal fans and give them the experience of a lifetime during their stay.

Starting Dec. 4, NFR will take hold of Las Vegas for 10 days of pure competition as the top 15 ranked competitors from a wide range events, including bull riding and steer wrestling, display their talents for the chance to be recognized as the best in their respective field.

In addition to a noticeable impact on the culture and energy of Las Vegas during this special time, you can also expect to encounter some of the biggest stars in country music and entertainment while NFR is in town.

Bucky Covington to Perform at Plaza Hotel Casino

At Plaza Hotel Casino, we are throwing our own celebration by featuring country star and former American Idol contestant, Bucky Covington, in our very own showroom to cap off the event on Dec. 13.

Best known for hits like “A Different World,” “It’s Good to be Us” and “I’ll Walk,” Covington’s debut, self-titled studio album reached #1 on the US Country Charts in 2007 following his appearance and eigth-place finish on Idol.

His latest single, “Buzzin’,” was released earlier this year on iTunes and we are sure that he’ll provide a proper sendoff to the 10-day celebration in Vegas with his passion and energy as he graces our stage.

Posted on October 23rd, 2014

One day per month a group of volunteers will help at the Sunrise Acres Elementary School mobile food pantry. Three Square Food Bank works with the Downtown Las Vegas school to assist upwards of 400 families by providing 40 to 50 pounds of food for free every month.

Many families struggle with proper nutrition because of difficult financial circumstances. The Sunrise Acres staff and volunteers ensure that students and their caretakers do not go hungry.

The Plaza and its employees cherish opportunities to give back to the local community. If you would like to lend your help and donate time and/or nonperishable food to the Three Square Food Bank please call (702) 644-FOOD (3663) or visit threesquare.org.